Kentucky Street
Kentucky Street is the best place in Memphis to watch trains. The south side is the best location for pictures and videos as the sun is behind you. It is a rather secluded area but should be OK during the daylight. Kansas Street, just to the west is good after dark with street lights lighting up the tracks and safe parking along Channel Three Drive. Kansas Street is also good on cloudy day as you have a better view of all the tracks. Kansas Avenue is actually a parking area off Channel Three Drive behind the brick apartments on the north side of the tracks. There is a cut in the curb and a gravel area on which to park. The area around Kentucky Street and Kansas Street are patrolled frequently by both the UP and BNSF Special Agents and they have no problem with railfans as long as you don't get on railroad property. The area around the Mississippi River Bridges is considered a sensitive area and is STRICTLY OFF LIMITS.
Links:
The following video was shot at Kentucky Street on Feb 8, 2009. It shows a westbound BNSF manifest freight and an inbound UP train of empty auto racks going to the CN/IC.
CLICK HERE to view on YouTube (Better Quality)
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